Not sure if it is still true, but when I bought my 2 1/2 HP Nissan
several years ago it was identical to the Mercury 2 1/2 HP at that
time. The Nissan/Tohatsu outboards have a lot of fans, including
Mercury, who does- or has- purchased them and rebadged them as their
own brand.

Thanks... Yes my searches have bumped into the Mercury/Nissan/Tohatsu
connection too. Sure do need a score card to keep up with who owns
who and using what label. The point of course it to find a good
product.

Have you been happy with your Nissan? Is it a 2-stroke?

I have 5HP Tohatsu 2-stroke now that is a dozen years old. It can run
really well.... but it also is a moody thing and will go through weak
spells on the same day. I have spent the usual $100 or so for a few
tune-ups in the past... does not make much performance difference...
just PM I suppose.

Since I really need a long (or extra long) shaft I thought I would
spend my next $ on the future and not on the past.

Thx
Dave-in-Denver